Open Letter to Revere Businesses
August 19, 2019
On April 22, 2019, the Revere City Council adopted a new ordinance, prohibiting the use of disposable plastic shopping bags by retail establishments in the City of Revere. This ordinance intends to promote the use of re-usable checkout bags and recyclable bags in an effort to curb the environmental and aesthetic harms that are caused by plastic bags.
The ordinance is being phased in according to the square footage of each business. This is designed to allow each business the time to prepare to meet the requirements of this ordinance, ensuring the transition goes smoothly.
The following letter was sent to Revere businesses to notify them of the new ordinance, Revere Revised Ordinance 8.04.090:
An Important Notice Regarding Your Business
RE: Prohibiting The Use of Disposable Plastic Shopping Bags
Dear Business Owner:
On April 22, 2019, the Revere City Council adopted a new ordinance, Revere Revised Ordinance 8.04.090, prohibiting the use of disposable plastic shopping bags by retail establishments in the City of Revere. Mayor Arrigo signed the ordinance on May 1.
By approving the ordinance, the Council seeks to reduce the availability of plastic bags that often litter our streets. The ordinance intends to promote the use of re-usable checkout bags and recyclable plastic bags. The ordinance pertains to the bags provided by a retail establishment to a customer at the point of sale or check out area. It does not refer to reusable bags or bags that are used by customers to carry products such as produce to the point of checkout.
The ordinance will take effect according to the following schedule:
- For stores 20,000 square feet or larger, JULY 1, 2019.
- For stores at least 10,000 square feet but less than 20,000, SEPTEMBER 1, 2019
- For stores less than 10,000 square feet, DECEMBER 31, 2019.
We realize that stores are likely to have a back supply of bags, and recommend that you return them to your distributor if possible. Inspection officers from the City’s Inspectional Services Department will issue warnings for a first offense, but a second violation of this ordinance within a year after a warning will generate a $50 fine for a first offense and a fine $100 to $490 for subsequent offenses.
We look forward to your cooperation in this effort to curb the environmental and aesthetic harms that are caused by plastic bags.
If you have any questions about how this ordinance applies to your business, please contact the Revere Inspectional Services Department at 781-286-8196.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Catinazzo
City of Revere Health Agent